Tips For Skin Care After Chemo Therapy

If you had Chemotherapy treatment for your skin cancer then after treatment it required special care. There is some problem starting after Chemo such as infection, bleeding, dry skin, brittle nails and skin problems. It may also lead to problem of mouth sores, an upset stomach, and diarrhea.

After Chemo the patient gets tired easily, appetite may be poor.

Let’s talk about other related problem after treatment:

Dry Skin:

After Chemo the one of common issue of patients is dry skin. Creams and lotions are effective ways of restoring moisture for dry skin.

Do: 

Dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel, rather than rubbing vigorously.

1. Use mild, non-perfumed.  
2. Take showers instead of long, hot baths.
3. Shaving for men - if dry skin reactions occurs on your face, skip a couple of days  to give your face a rest.  Avoid perfume after-shave.
4. Shaving for women - if after shaving your legs a rash appears do not shave again until the skin has completely healed.

Avoid:

1. Perfumed products

2. Soap-free cleansing bars.

3.  Anything that you think you might be allergic.

How to take care of skin during Chemotherapy?

The answer to this question is very simple you have keep moisturize your skin by using long lasting moisturizer .The use of moisturizer prevent water loss by layering an oily substance over the skin.

Include the substance that attracts water to skin such as glycerin, proteins and some vitamins.

After bath baby oil, herbal oil can be applied to your skin after bath or shower.

Problem of Hyper pigmentation:

Hyper pigmentation is simply means darkening of skin. Some drugs during Chemo treatment will cause changes in the nails, darkening of the tongue, gums, and over finger joints.

Mouth Care:

Chemotherapy can cause dry mouth or sores. This can lead to an increase in bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria can cause infection in your mouth, which can spread to other parts of your body.

Brush your teeth and gums 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use toothpaste with fluoride. Do not use mouth rinses with alcohol in them.

Use your regular lip care products to keep your lips away from drying and cracking. Try to use Natural product as much as you can.

Try to minimize the sugar consumption in food, drink, chocolates & sweets. Chew sugarless gums or sugar-free hard candies. Avoid food which under cooked or spoiled, drink safe water.

Wash your hands with soap and water often, including:

1. After touching body fluids, such as mucus or blood
2. After changing a diaper.
3. Before handling food.
4. After going to the bathroom.

Effect on Nails:

The most common effect after Chemotherapy is receiving on nails. The harsh and brittle nails are receiving after Chemo treatment.

Tips to manage Nails:

1.  Nails should be trimmed and kept clean.
2. There should be use of Gloves for housecleaning and gardening to minimize damage and prevent infection.
3. Use Natural Nail polishes which are rich in silicum prevent nails from Radiation and Chemotherapy.

RASH:

Rash is most basic and general term for skin reaction. It include redness, itching & inflammation. The rash is usually bright red in color and the skin may feel hot, burning or itchy. The rashes can occur with almost 2-3 weeks after the drug has been given. There may some other symptoms such as fever, lymph node enlargement, and loss of appetite also.

Tips to manage rashes:

Wear loose non-irritating clothing. 

When bathing use a mild soap without perfumes. 

Use sunscreen or protective clothing when out in the sun.

Photo sensitivity:

Photo sensitivity is an enhanced skin response to ultraviolet radiation (UV RAYS).

Tips to manage Photo sensitivity:

1. Use of Sunscreen or protective clothing when out in the sun. 
2. Avoid tanning as much as you can